Muthoot FA boys ready and hungry to take the Next Generation Cup opportunity with both hands: Coach Anees Koraliyadan

Muthoot FA made heads turn in the RFDL 2024 by finishing third in the elite youth development competition, earning them a direct qualification to the upcoming season of the Next Generation Cup.
The latter will see participation from eight teams in the current campaign, including Muthoot FA, RFDL winners Punjab FC, runners-up East Bengal FC, South African side Stellenbosch FC, along with Aston Villa FC, Crystal Palace FC, Everton FC, and Tottenham Hotspur FC, who will be representing the Premier League.
It’s a massive opportunity for Muthoot FA, who are based out of Kochi and produced a magical run in the recently-concluded RFDL season. They showed great promise by defeating two-time defending champions Bengaluru FC in the third-place playoff, and are all set to carry that confidence into the United Kingdom (UK). Head coach Anees Koraliyadan has said that this is the first time that a lot of their players will be playing internationally and that this exposure will be pivotal in turning around their respective careers.
“We are taking feedback from Kerala Blasters FC”
“This will be the first time that all of my players will be competing against international opponents. We are preparing for our own game plans and strategies and are also taking inputs from teams like Kerala Blasters FC that have played the Next Generation Cup previously. We are taking feedback from them about how the opponents are like and their level of playing in the concerned age category,” Anees said.
He added, “The league is concerned regarding the development of our players. It’s a great opportunity for youngsters to play against their foreign counterparts and it will be of great help to them. It will be difficult to match the quality of teams in the Premier League. But the boys from Muthoot FA, East Bengal FC, and Punjab FC are hungry and ready to take this opportunity with both hands.”
Phase of transition for Muthoot FA
However, the dynamics of the footballing landscape are such that Muthoot FA are navigating an interesting situation at the moment. It has been often reiterated that the RFDL has become a hotbed of scouting platforms in India, and hence a reasonable lot of their players were spotted and secured by the Indian Super League (ISL) teams ever since the current transfer window began in June. Ensuring that the continuity that the team plays with doesn’t take a hit under such circumstances is essential for the Muthoot FA think-tank. They are banking on the resourceful talent coming through their well-oiled academy for the same, a thought that was echoed by both coach Anees as well as player Arjun Raj.
“Since the transfer window began, seven of our players have moved into the ISL clubs. So we had a lot of players getting transferred to other clubs. It’s a setback for us and a bit difficult for us to have the same quality of players to compete at the higher levels. However, it’s an opportunity for players to take over the vacant spots and raise their standards to the next level. The message from my side to the players is to grab the chance and fill the void present in the team,” Anees said.
“Seven important players have left our team but there are equally good players both from our academies and new joiners who can compensate for the good players who have left. I don’t think our performance will take a hit because of this episode because the new players are of the same level as the ones who have left. So, it’s not a problem for us,” Arjun added.
All eyes on Arjun Raj: Here’s why
Arjun is the link between the midfield and the frontline for Muthoot FA. His fleet footedness, decision-making and composure in the final third will be critical for them to convert the chances that they create during important junctures of the game. He is also the leader of the group, and with the mini-transition that the team is undergoing, additional responsibility will rest on his shoulders to march his troops with aplomb in the coming edition of the Next Generation Cup. It is safe to say that he is absolutely looking forward to this occasion.
“I have worked very hard for the Next Generation Cup right from the beginning. I have learnt so much from the RFDL because of the extensive game time that we received and the way we played competitive matches against so many top teams like FC Goa, amongst others. It helped us develop overall and the coach, teammates, along with the support staff is happy with our performances. The coach gave us a lot of confidence and hence I am thankful to the team who supported me to deliver good individual performances,” Arjun reflected upon his performances lately.
He even touched upon the specific facets of gameplay that his team will need to work upon to come into terms with the level of competition that they will face in the tournament.
“I have worked very hard for the Next Generation Cup right from the beginning. I have learnt so much from the RFDL because of the extensive game time that we received and the way we played competitive matches against so many top teams like FC Goa, amongst others. It helped us develop overall and the coach, teammates, along with the support staff is happy with our performances. The coach gave us a lot of confidence and hence I am thankful to the team who supported me and delivered good individual performances,” Arjun said.
Scheduled between August 1-4, the Next Generation Cup will be hosted by the Premier League this year. The tournament provides India’s talented young footballers with an opportunity to compete with teams from Premier League and the South African youth teams. Matches will be held across four rounds at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Training Ground and the final of Next Generation Cup 2024 will be held at Loughborough University Stadium.
About Reliance Foundation Sports: Reliance Foundation’s sports initiatives have touched the lives of over 22 million young people since 2013 across the country from over 13,000 schools and colleges, enabling an opportunity for talented children anywhere to be able to achieve their dream of a career in sport. It is especially committed to ensuring more presence and the success of girls and women athletes in India and designs its programmes in a manner that offers them maximum opportunities. Reliance Foundation’s sports programme aims to develop the sporting ecosystem in India starting from the grassroots. Through its scholarship and athletics programmes, the foundation currently supports over 200 athletes in more than 10 Olympic sports. It also operates three world-class athletics training facilities in India and has partnerships with the IOC, IOA, AFI, and Odisha government. Reliance Foundation runs the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) football academy, which is India’s highest-rated football academy, with many graduates going on to represent various ISL clubs. The Foundation’s approach to developing the football ecosystem includes organising three grassroots initiatives: Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, RFYC Naupang League, and Reliance Foundation Development League. For more information, please follow on: https://www.rfyouthsports.com/
Also Read: Mumbai City FC Reserve Squad Announced for Durand Cup 2024
Also Read: Maharashtra Team Announced For The Upcoming Junior Girls National Football Championship – Tier 2
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.
Hashu Advani Centennial Cup / Local Football
Union Bank of India clinch Inaugural Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Union Bank of India defeated Kalina Rangers in the final to clinch the inaugural edition of Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Mumbai Super League: Mumbai Ultras & Waves FC secure crucial wins to shake up the standings
On Day 2 of the Mumbai Super League final round, Mumbai Ultras and Waves FC picked up vital victories against Brothers WA and Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP), respectively, setting the…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League: Mohd. Khatib’s late equalizer rescues a Point for MH Oranje FC against Mumbay FC
MH Oranje FC salvaged a dramatic late equalizer in the dying seconds of added time as Mohd. Khatib’s strike deep into the injury time denied Mumbay FC all three points…
South United FC announces Trials for their Residential Academy
South United Football Club (SUFC) announces the upcoming trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held at the Club’s Ulsoor facility in Bengaluru.
FC Goa break 13-game-long winless run against Mumbai City FC with 3-1 victory
FC Goa defeated Mumbai City FC by 3-1 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 to break their 13-game-long winless run against the Islanders in…
Reliance Foundation Young Champs crowned regional champions with 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association
Reliance Foundation Young Champs grabbed an impressive 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association in the regional final of Dream Sports Championship’s Mumbai leg at the Cooperage Football Stadium on Friday….
Mumbai Super League-Final Round: Nihal Colaco Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick for MSP while Waves & Brothers Drew
The Mumbai Super League Final Round got underway with contrasting results in both fixtures. Nihal Colaco’s second half hat-Trick helps MSP with 3-0 win while Waves & Brothers settle for a draw
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…